FAA Approves Autonomous Flight System Testing

Reliable Robotics has received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for its autonomous flight system certification plan, allowing the company to begin testing its fully automated aircraft systems. 

Through the autonomous flight system, autopilot is continuously engaged through all phases of aircraft operation from taxiing to takeoff and landing. “This landmark achievement marks unrivaled progress towards the certification of fully automated aircraft,” the company stated. 

“Reliable is the only company that has reached this critical point, positioning them as the clear front-runner in the FAA certification process for autonomous aircraft,” said Eric Schulz, former Rolls-Royce and Airbus executive. “Reliable’s automation system will make aviation even safer and provide more affordable air transportation for cargo and passengers anytime, anywhere.”

In February, Reliable Robotics partnered with the U.S. Air Force to conduct research into automating large, multi-engine jets with its autonomous aircraft system. That same month NASA researchers visited Reliable Robotics’ Mountain View, California, headquarters to observe flight testing where they collected data for analysis. 

In May, Reliable Robotics demonstrated autonomous takeoff, flight and landing of its Cessna Caravan 208 aircraft for the Air Force during testing at Travis Air Force Base in California.

Related:Air Force, Reliable Robotics Team to Explore Jet Automation

Juerg Frefel, co-founder and chief technology officer of Reliable Robotics said the certification plan approval concludes many years of working with the FAA to “rigorously determine how autonomous systems will be integrated into aircraft.” 

“Working within current rules enables us, and the FAA, to move faster and continue to improve the high levels of safety we have come to expect in aviation,” Frefel said.